The secret to success in any remodeling project boils down to one thing: tools. If you’ve got the know-how and the right tools for the job, you can accomplish practically anything, including excavation projects.

The excavation process is essential for projects such as adding a patio, regardless of whether you plan to pour a slab or use outdoor pavers. Choosing the right tools (and knowing how to use them) is crucial to ensure success in this phase of the project. Here’s everything you need to know about using power equipment for your next excavation project.


Select the Right Tools for the Job

When it comes to projects like building a patio, using heavy equipment such as a skid steer is more efficient than doing it by hand with a shovel. 

This is particularly true when you have to move a large amount of dirt to create a suitable foundation for the patio, especially if you plan on laying pavers. In most cases, you’ll need to excavate at least 4 inches to prepare the right base using crushed limestone.

skid steer
Image Credit: Canva

Using a skid steer on a job like this saves so much time and effort that you could spend on the finer details of building a patio. Not only does the skid steer dig up the dirt for you, but it also relocates it with minimal effort required. You can also use the skid steer bucket to properly spread the dirt to your desired grade.

The equipment is also pretty handy for moving materials, so keeping the skid steer through the end of the project will definitely pay off.

If you have a smaller yard and you’re concerned about having a really large piece of machinery on site, you can rent a mini skid steer instead. 


Rent Power Equipment

Start by looking for rental companies in your city to find a skid steer, but my professional advice would be to visit Compact Power Equipment Rental’s website or call them at 888-COMPACT. They’re located in over 1,000 Home Depot stores across the U.S. and Canada and offer convenient solutions for your equipment needs.

One of the main reasons I suggest using Compact Power is because they offer VIP onsite delivery. Not only will they deliver the equipment to your job site, but a trained technician will also drop it off and walk you through the operation of the skid steer step-by-step. Plus, they won’t leave until you’re comfortable operating the machinery.


How To Dig the Footprint for Your Patio

Digging the footprint for a large patio is a lot easier if you have the right equipment. However, there are a few excavation tips you should keep in mind while working.

When preparing to dig out a large patio, start with careful planning. Mark the borders of your patio using stakes and string. This aids in understanding the size and layout before you begin.

Next, ensure proper drainage by using a transit or laser level. Grade the area to slope away from your house, typically at a gradient of 1/4 inch per foot.

Start by removing the top layer of grass and soil, usually about 4 to 6 inches deep. Set this material aside for later use in landscaping or finishing touches.

Depending on your patio design, dig down to the necessary depth: at least 4 inches for a paver base or 6 inches for a poured concrete slab. During this process, remove any large rocks or tree roots you encounter. 

I already explained why a skid steer can be invaluable in this process. Use its front loader to efficiently scoop and relocate the excavated dirt. This machine significantly speeds up the process, reducing the manual labor.

Once you achieve the soil depth you’d like, use the skid steer bucket to smooth and compact the soil. This step is crucial for a stable foundation for your patio.

The next stage involves adding, spreading, and compacting your gravel base material. It’s important to ensure that this layer is perfectly level for a quality patio installation.

Finally, replace the topsoil around the edges of your patio perimeter. This helps integrate the new patio into the surrounding landscape seamlessly.

Having the right heavy equipment, like a skid steer, makes the excavation process much faster and less labor-intensive. Hand digging a large area can take days or weeks, whereas a skid steer can complete the job in just 1 to 2 days, depending on the patio’s size.


Choose Gravel or Paver Base Material

The foundation beneath your patio surface is critical for structural integrity. Gravel and crushed stone bases provide drainage, prevent erosion, and minimize shifting or settling over time. Here are some great options:

  • Compacted Aggregate: This is an all-in-one base mix that usually contains various crushed rocks. 
  • Crushed Granite: This type of aggregate is excellent for compaction and drainage. It also resists erosion better than limestone.
  • Crushed Limestone: A popular choice for paver patios, it compacts well with multiple layers.
  • Decomposed Granite: This type of aggregate contains smaller particles and fines, making it suitable for firm compaction. 
  • Gravel: This type of aggregate comes in different sizes and provides better drainage than limestone.
  • Washed Concrete Sand: This very fine material compacts completely flat and is ideal for a poured slab.

Work in layers when adding and compacting your base materials, compacting each layer before adding more material. A plate compactor will densify the materials. Don’t forget to test for level frequently as you build up layers.


How To Use a Skid Steer Safely During Your Excavation

Though skid steers are fairly easy to use, they are powerful pieces of machinery. Keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Always wear closed-toe shoes and avoid loose clothing that could get caught.
  • Check surroundings for people, pets, power lines, and anything you could potentially crash into.
  • Drive slowly and use extreme care on slopes or uneven terrain.
  • Keep arms and legs inside the protective cage at all times during operation.
  • Know your equipment’s lift capacity and don’t exceed it. Lift heavy loads slowly and steadily.
  • Lower the bucket or attachment and set the parking brake when not operating.
  • Maintain three points of contact when mounting or dismounting using the handholds and steps.
  • Never leave a running skid steer unattended. Turn off the engine if you must exit.

A reputable rental company offers protective equipment like a hard hat, gloves, and safety glasses alongside skid steer rentals. They should also demonstrate proper operation of the skid steer controls before allowing you to use the equipment.


How To Lay the Patio Surface

Once you have a perfectly flat and level base, you’re ready to lay the surface materials. Pavers and poured concrete have different installation processes.

Pavers:

  1. Spread 1 to 2 inches of sand over the compacted base. Screed to level.
  2. Lay the pavers row by row. Use spacers to maintain even gaps.
  3. Tamp pavers with a plate compactor once laid to lock them in.
  4. Sweep sand into the joints between pavers. Compact again.
  5. Trim edges to fit. Finish the perimeter edge as desired.

Poured Concrete:

  1. Build formwork around the perimeter to hold the concrete until it is cured.
  2. Lay reinforcement mesh or rebar if specified.
  3. Pour concrete into the formwork area. Use a screed to level.
  4. Smooth and finish the surface with trowels and edging tools.
  5. Cover the surface with plastic sheeting for 5 to 7 days while the concrete fully cures.
  6. Remove formwork after the appropriate curing time. Backfill dirt around the edges.

Either way, having the right base beneath the surface ensures your patio lasts for years to come. Doing periodic maintenance, such as re-sanding joints, will keep pavers locked tight. Both surface types offer lasting durability.


So, Should I Use Heavy Equipment For Patios and Other Excavation Projects?

Using heavy equipment like a skid steer loader can make excavating and preparing the base beneath a patio much easier. While a determined DIYer with enough time and stamina could potentially complete this work manually with hand tools, renting a skid steer simplifies the process.

For most homeowners undertaking a sizable patio or other excavation project, the convenience and efficiency of renting equipment like a skid steer far outweigh the costs. Using professional-grade machinery delivers huge advantages over trying to DIY the excavation entirely by hand. 


FAQs About Patio Excavation

How much should I budget for heavy equipment rental?

Daily skid steer rental rates range from $200 to $500 a day, depending on the size of the machine. Budget $400 to $1,000 for a 2-day rental. To get the best deal, I recommend comparing local rates.


Should I dig below the frost line for my patio?

Frost line depth varies by region, but patios usually don’t require digging deeper than the base layer of 4 to 6 inches.


Can I just fill my patio base with dirt instead of gravel?

Dirt doesn’t offer the proper drainage and compaction qualities that gravel and crushed stone bases provide.


How precise must the base be before pouring concrete or laying pavers?

The base surface must be extremely flat and level, within 1/4 inch across 10 feet. This minimizes settling.


Should I rent special tools to spread and compact the base?

Yes, plate compactors and screed boards make proper grading, leveling, and compaction achievable for DIYers.


What kinds of skid steers should I consider renting?

Compact wheel and track models are great for navigating residential yards. Mini skid steers also work well in tight spaces.


Editorial Contributors
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Abbie Clark

Contributor

Abbie Clark is a writer and blogger. She is the founder of "Hey She Thrives", where she writes about all things motherhood, coupled with expert cleaning tips that echo the warmth and order of a loving home. She is also the co founder of "RideRambler." There, you can find all of the info you'll ever need on DIY car fixes and Auto news.When not writing, you can find Abbie chasing her toddler, trying a new cookie recipe, or fishing with her husband.

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Lori Zaino

Lori Zaino is a freelance writer and editor based in Madrid, Spain. With nearly two decades of editorial experience, she’s written and edited for publications like Forbes, CNN, Insider, NBC, Newsweek, The Points Guy, The Infatuation, and many others. Having just completed her first home renovation, she’s more interested in home improvements than ever, dedicated to bringing you fresh and accurate content to help you update your living spaces.

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